• Faculty members are noted for their distinguished research and teaching, united by their common passion for Asia.
• The program gives students a solid foundation for a professional career related to Asia and world affairs or for further study at the graduate level.
• The program offers flexibility and intensive mentoring to help students prepare for their personal career goals.
• The program urges students to participate in the study abroad programs available at WSU.
• Asian studies is the only interdisciplinary regional studies major at Washington State University.

Certification requirements

24 completed semester credits
2.0 minimum grade point average

Suggested classes for freshmen

Language class: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean (If not taken in high school, begin with a 101 introductory class.)
UCORE math or science
Lower division Asian Studies course

Suggested classes for transfer students

Language class: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean (If not taken in high school, begin with a 101 introductory class.)
UCORE math or science
Upper division Asian Studies course

Math Requirement

Any UCORE, most commonly:
Math 105: Exploring Mathematics
Math 212: Introduction to Statistical Methods

Overview Courses

Asian Film
Arts of Asia
East Meets West

East Asia

Introduction to East Asian Culture
Philosophies and Religions of China and Japan
Chinese Civilization
Modern Chinese Culture
Revolutionary China, 1800 to present
Japanese Civilization
Modern Japanese History
Gender and Love in East Asian Culture
The Art of War

South Asia

India: History and Culture
Foundations of Islamic Civilization
Philosophies and Religions of India
Gandhi: India and the United States

Middle East

Introduction to Middle Eastern History
Foundations of Islamic Civilization
Cultures and Peoples of the Middle East
The Middle East Since World War I

For Asian studies majors

The Asia Program offers several scholarship and recognition opportunities, including the Asia Program Award for Excellence, Best Paper Award, and India Research Scholarship. In addition, all Asian studies majors can apply for more than $50,000 in scholarships awarded by the College of Liberal Arts.

Available to all students at WSU

A variety of state, federal, and University-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs. Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

Students should complete the Washington State University general scholarship application and the FAFSA to ensure their eligibility for the widest range of scholarships and need-based financial aid.

For information or to apply for financial aid and scholarships from WSU, see the Scholarships and Finances section of the WSU website.

Asia Program graduates receive excellent, broad preparation for business careers dealing with Asia, for careers in government and politics, and for teaching courses on Asia and the world in primary and secondary schools. The program also provides academic background for those planning to pursue graduate work on Asia.

What can you do with a degree in Asian studies?

• Government service, politics
• International business
• International relations, Foreign Service
• Travel industry
• Import, export
• Graduate studies
• Advertising
• Management consulting
• Teaching

Skills you can market with a degree in Asian studies:

• Cultural awareness and sensitivity
• Asian language competency
• Effective research and presentation skills
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Ability to work solo or as a team member
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Intellectual curiosity
• Time management and organization

Association for Bangladeshi Students and Scholars
Chinese Students and Scholars Association
Indian Students Association
Hong Kong Student Association
Japan Club
Korean Students Association
Middle Eastern Student Association
Taiwanese Student Association
Vietnamese Students Association